writingcamp + Of All People, Why Me?

Week 3 - The Beginning

“I’m glad that you’re finally awake,” the old lady said while caressing my cheek. “I thought we’re going to lose you for good,” she added before smiling gently at me. “Thank you... for not leaving us behind.”

Waking up in another world and/or taking over another person’s body was one of my favorite tropes back when I was still in my original body. There were different types of characters in this trope: characters who were summoned to another world (and thus, came with their own bodies to the new world); characters who were transmigrated to another world (so, they either die in their original world, or they’re brain dead); and sometimes, they are reincarnated to another world with their memories from their previous life intact.

In my case, it was a mixture of transmigration with my memories from my past life intact. Along with those memories are the memories of the previous possessors of this body.

Yes, I was not the only person who took over this body.

Based on the memories I’ve inherited, there were five people who possessed this body before me.

The youngest among all of us only lasted for few minutes before they die.

Another soul took over the infant’s body and lasted until ‘our’ third birthday.

The third one lasted until ‘our’ tenth birthday, before she drowned at the nearby river.

As soon as the body was recovered, another soul possessed the body. That person wasn’t able to cope with the changes in her surroundings. I’m not sure where she came from or who she was before taking over this body, but she didn’t took the changes well.

It wasn’t long until the fifth one arrived. They’re the reason I could understand what the old lady was saying. They were speaking in a language that I’ve never heard of in my past life. Even the writing system they’re following is far from what I’ve seen back on Earth.

“As I’ve promised you, Daisy...” The old lady placed two items on the space next to me. “Here are the items you asked me to keep before you became ill.”

I reached out for the key with intricate design. It was something that resembles that design from a popular fantasy franchise back on Earth... huh?

Could it be?

“Rest well, okay?” she said before caressing ‘my’ cheek once again. “I’ll tell Betty to bring your lunch later.”

I looked at her and smiled. “Thank you.”

“You’re always welcome.”

The old lady closed the door behind her, leaving me in the room by myself. It’s not like I could go anywhere I wanted to. ‘My’ muscles were still weak after almost one month of bed rest... and fighting that deadly disease.

It’s actually a miracle that ‘I’ was still able to wake up and sit on my own. According to the old lady, they were even preparing for ‘my’ funeral in case I wouldn’t make it.

‘What if I woke up while they’re burying me?’ I shook my head at that thought.

I glanced at the box next to me. It was made of wood, but it seems to be sturdy enough to protect anything inside it from being destroyed.

With the key in my hand, I opened the box and saw three items inside: a book, a pouch, and a map.

I took the book out of the box and placed in on my lap. Then, I reached out for the pouch and took a peek inside. My eyes widened up seeing copper, silver, and gold coins inside.

‘Fifth must’ve worked multiple jobs to earn these. I salute you, fifth.’

The last item was a map.

A poorly drawn map, but was understandable enough—thanks to the memories I got from fifth.

I placed the pouch back to the box along with the map before holding the book on my lap. Its cover was made of leather with simple borders that are painted with gold.

As soon as I opened it, I immediately read a message directed to me. Or to whoever possesses this body.

—

Read this carefully without freaking out like the other possessors did.

Let me be honest with you. You’re not going to live an easy life. The body you’re currently possessing works as a handmaiden in one of the empire’s ducal house. But don’t worry. They’re usually staying at the capital. ‘They’re’ as in the duke and his family.

Anyway, this book contains the lists of things that are important to me. This could also help you survive the new life you’re about to live.

First, a list of food we can’t eat. The last thing I wanted to happen is for you to die because of food poisoning or food allergy.

Second, a hitlist. Kidding. A list of people that you need to avoid or punch (only when necessary). There are numerous people in that household that wanted to see you fail. You would probably retrieve those memories and discover why they’re going to do that towards you. (I swear, it’s not my fault. I was just being honest.)

Third, a list of people you can rely on. Luckily, I’ve made several connections with people who are capable of helping you out in times of trouble. They can lend you money, give you a temporary shelter, or even a deluxe meal. You’re going to love them too. Like I did.

Fourth, a comprehensive list of places that you need to know about and as well as information about the empire. The basic laws that could help you get out of trouble, etiquette, the royal family, several maps of the usual places where they’ll assign you, a map of the plaza (they have the best nightmarket during festivals!), and many more.

I’m sure that by now, you understand why this book is quite thick.

Anyway, before reading the rest of the book, let me welcome you as my fellow possessor of Daisy. Live your life to the fullest, and I hope that you’ll find a reason to survive that place.

Sincerely,

The Fifth